The real origin of this very curious comic and satirical production is involved, like most fables of the kind, in considerable doubt and perplexity. The earliest printed German copy would appear to have been that of the year 1498, written in the dialect of Lower Saxony; though there was a Dutch romance, in prose, bearing the same title, "Historie van Reynaert do Vos," published at Delft, in 1485. The former one, of 1498, was afterwards translated into High German, and also into Latin. It has been referred to various individuals as the author; most commonly to Henry Von Alkmar; but that his was not the first story of the kind, would appear from his preface, in which he merely assumes the merit of its translation. ... At all events, the Lubec edition of 1498 is a work so superior in point of power and skill, as well as in its comic incidents and delineations, as to confer upon it the style and character of an original composition. Its allegorical scenes are well supported; exhibiting under a picture of the court of beasts, the various intrigues and interests of a human court, where everything is thrown into confusion, and the most dangerous plans are adopted, at the instigation of a wily favourite. ... The German edition of 1498 appeared at Lubec in small 4to, accompanied by woodcuts in a rude style of illustration, and with a preface of four pages from the pen of Henry Von Alkmar, the work itself consisting of two hundred and forty-one pages. - [Introduction]

Previous published in 1826 as part of The German Novelists: Introduction. Reineke Fuchs (Reynard the Fox) numerous authors and editions of it. The pleasant history of Reynard the Fox. Howleglass, the merry jester. Doctor Faustus

Language: English